Hookah smoke filtration device

ABSTRACT

A hookah smoke filtration device is provided that attaches to the of a stem of a hookah apparatus, wherein the filtration device is at least partially or fully submerge within the water in the base of the hookah. In addition, the filter device of the present invention can be made of an extensive cellular polyurethane foam material having a plurality pores, channels, passages, open cells, and/or closed cells for trapping tar, nicotine, and other smoke impurities. Further, the filter device reduces the size and increases the number of smoke and air bubbles leaving the filter, thereby improving surface contact and solubility of the bubbles within the water at the base of the hookah. The additional air bubbles can help reduce the temperature of the smoke, add additional moisture to the smoke, improve the tobacco&#39;s flavor, and further filter the smoke, thereby removing additional tar, nicotine, and impurities.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a smoke filtration cartridge for a waterpiper, nargile, hookah, qalyan, shisa, or vaporizer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce the reader to aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions to prior art.

The hookah is a centuries old smoking device for smoking tobacco or controlled substances. Generally described, the hookah provides for the smoke produced from burning smokable material in pipe bowel to be passed through a layer of water. Here, a minimal amount of undesirable smoke by products such as tar, oil, ashes, carbon monoxide and the like are can be absorbed or separated in the water layer.

During the past 130 years, little progress has been made to develop a practical and widely acceptable smoke filtration system that can be used to boost a hookah's capability. Many prior art devices have modified the hookahs in an effort to increase their acceptance in the Western countries, or in the Middle East. However, they fail to provide a practical tar removal device. At present, there is no filtration adapter that has the ability to be used with a wide variety or pipe designs, sizes and configurations. Also for a filter medium to be acceptable in the market, it must be effective at tar and impurity removal, improve the smoking experience, and be convenient, easy to use, and inexpensive.

Hence, what is needed is a filtration medium or apparatus for a hookah or water pipe that effectively remove impurities and tar of smoke from the hookah, improves the flavor of the tobacco, further cools down the smoke, and is convenient, disposable or re-usable, easy to use, and inexpensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more aspects of the present invention overcome the above shortfalls of prior attempted methods and devices. In particular, in one aspect of the present invention a method, system, and apparatus are provide for a smoke filtration device that attaches to the end of a stem of a hookah apparatus, wherein the filtration device is at least partially or fully submerged within the water in the base of the hookah. In addition, the filter device of the present invention can be made of an extensive cellular polyurethane foam material having a plurality pores, channels, passages, open cells, and/or closed cells for trapping tar, nicotine, free radicals, undesirable particles, and other impurities. Further, the filter device reduces the size and increases the number of smoke and air bubbles leaving the filter, thereby improving surface contact and solubility of the bubbles within the water at the base of the hookah. The additional air bubbles can help reduce the temperature of the smoke, add additional moisture to the smoke, improve the tobacco's flavor, and further filters the smoke, thereby removing additional tar, nicotine, and impurities without increasing the amount of user initiated inhalation. Some principals of the present invention are filtration, condensation, solubility, and pollutant absorption.

The above summary is not intended to describe each and every disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure. The Description that follows more particularly exemplifies the various illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general cross-section side view of a hookah with a diffuser.

FIG. 2 illustrates a general cross-section side view of a hookah with the filtration device according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the filtration device of FIG. 2 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the filtration device of FIG. 3 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section close-up view of the cell structure of the filtration device according to the one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the filtration device attached to the stem of a hookah apparatus according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front disassembled view of the filtration device and adapter according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front assembled view of the filtration device and adapter of FIG. 7 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front disassembled view of the filtration device and adapter in accordance with an alternative embodiment according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front assembled view of the filtration device and adapter of FIG. 9 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the summary of the invention above and in the Detailed Description of the invention, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40% means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upper limit is 100 mm. The embodiments set forth the below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention. In addition, the invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrations a general cross-sectional side view of a hookah with a diffuser. This product in the market just makes smoke bubbles smaller. The problem commonly associated with a diffuser is the lack of filtration. It exposes the user with substantial toxic substances during use. It should be understood that the diffuser does not provide effective means to trap the toxic substances.

FIG. 2 illustrates a general cross-sectional side view of a hookah apparatus with the filtration device according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Here, hookah apparatus 100 can include a wind guard 102, charcoal 104 resting on a later of foil or aluminum material, with tobacco or controlled substance medium 106 resting within a bowl wherein the bowl is coupled to stem 112, a plate 108 for catching remnants of the burnt charcoal, a gasket 108 coupled to the stem 112, release or purge value 114, hose port 116, water base 118, and filter device 200, coupled to the end of stem 112, wherein the filter device is submerged within the water base.

FIG. 2 further illustrates a method of operation which can include a user inhaling air from the hose port creating a negative pressure within the air pocket of the water base 118, thereby causing outside air to travel through the charcoal and tobacco, wherein the air is heated and smoke 300 is created by the burning of the charcoal on the tobacco, wherein the smoke 300 travels down the body and stem of the hookah and through the filter device 200, thereby purifying and filtering the smoke (i.e. removing and trapping tar, nicotine, and other impurities) and further dispersing the smoke as small broken up multiple bubbles of air/smoke through the water, wherein the multiple bubbles improve surface contact with the water to further filter the tar, nicotine, and impurities of the smoke and further cool down the temperature of the smoke, and wherein the purified and filtered smoke fills up the air space within the water base and is subsequently inhaled by the user. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that any other methods including, in addition to, or lieu of the aforementioned method of operation can also be implemented.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate views of the filtration device according to one non-limiting embodiment. Here, filtration device 200 can be any type of filter media. In some embodiments, filter 301 can be constructed in a foam or sponge like configuration and made of substantially cellular polyurethane foam or cellulose. Here, the filter device 301 can be one unitary solid piece in a cylindrical configuration in one embodiment, filter device 301 can be from 3 cm in width and 3 cm in length. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the filter device can be of any shape, size, or dimension, including but not limited to: rectangular, square, triangular, asymmetrical, abstract, or any polygon having three or more sides. In addition, the filter device can be dyed, color coded, or have any type of indicia printed thereon.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, body 303 forms a hollow channel 305 for gaseous and/or fluid passage therethrough. The hollow channel 305 is also configured to receive one or more members of the filter adapters, as shown in FIGS. 7-10. It is contemplated that the channel can extend either completely or partially through the filter and it is also contemplated sizing the filter such that an adaptor is not necessary.

FIG. 5 illustrates close-up cross section view of the polyurethane foam cell structure of filter device 200. Here, the polyurethane foam is shown in close-up view 200A as having multiple channels, granules, passages, and open and closed cells 210 and 212 that allow for tar, nicotine, and other impurities to be absorbed and/or trapped therein. The polyurethane foam can also include activated carbon or additional surfactants to further improve its absorbency and filtration capacity. Preferably, the polyurethane foam can be selected from middle-density polyurethane foams, which generally have a density of from about 0.01 to about 0.05 grams per milliliter. Alternatively, the polyurethane foam can have approximately 3-15 cells per 1 mm square space. In addition, each cell, channel, or passages within the cellular structure can be approximately from 1 to 3 micrometer or micrometer. Further, the cell structure can include both “open cell” structures and/or “closed cell” structures. In addition, the polyurethane foam can trap particles and impurities anywhere from 0.05-100 micrometers. Further, the high porosity of the filter allows the air flow to be substantially free flowing and non-restrictive, thereby allowing the user to inhale the smoke from the hookah without must additional effort. It should be understood by those of skill in the art that any polyurethane foam with a cellular structure and appropriate density that permits smoke to pass through may be used with the present invention provided that it confirms to the teachings herein. Further, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the filter device can be reusable or disposable. If reusable, the filter device can be made of reusable materials, such as plastics, polymers, and/or metal wiring porous material, thereby allowing a user to wash and rinse the filter prior to each use.

In addition, an added benefit of the filter device 200 can be that it reduces the temperature of the smoke moving through the filter. Specifically, the filter helps reduce the size of the bubbles smoke/air bubbles leaving the filter, thereby improving the surface contact of the smoke with the water up to 100 times more effective than without the use of filter 200. Here, by incorporating the filter device, the additional solubility and saturation of the smoke within the water allows for additional later of filtration within the water and even more improved cooling and moisture within the inhaled smoke as opposed to not incorporating the filter device.

In the same time breaking down of the smoke to multiple small bubbles sharply decreases the temperature of the smoke. High temperature of hookah is one of the major hazards and causes of some serious damages to tissues of the Larynx and lungs.

FIGS. 5 and 6 further illustrates a method of operation of the filter device. As smoke 300 smoke travels down stem 112 and streams through filter cartridge 200, it hits the surfaces of the cellular structures of the polyurethane foam (FIG. 4) and accelerates to high speed as it flows through the restricted passages 210 and 212. The smoke impinges against the surfaces of the polyurethane foam at varying angles and at high speed, and its direction of motion is substantially and abruptly altered. Any remaining heavier tar particles and impurities within the smoke stream, which have a substantial inertia relative to the air, are transported in the moisture-laden smoke vapor, which directly impinges against the outer surfaces of the polyurethane foam causing it to stick to the cells and passages. The smoke is thus purified of heavier tar particles, which typically remain stuck according to their stickiness and viscosity on the surfaces of the cellular structure of the polyurethane foam.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, front views of the filter adapter 501 are shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. In the contemplated embodiment, adapter 501 is configured to fit within channel 305 and secure thereto. To achieve this feature, adapter 501 includes a stem receiver 500 having three cup shaped members 503, 505, 507 integrally joined together and forming a hollow channel therein for fluid and/or gaseous communication with the stem. It will be appreciated that receiver 500 is configured to receive stems having various diameters. To achieve this feature, the members of receiver 500 have different diameters relative to each other.

As depicted, the bottom member 507 is configured to receive a joint 509 having a plurality of elongated walls 513, preferably four that are at right angles relative to each other and joined together at a base 511.

When assembled, as shown in FIG. 7, the base 511 and member 507 come into contact with the inner channel 305 of filter 301 and friction holds the two devices together. Accordingly, during use, the gas/fluid is channeled through receiver 500 to joint 509 and exits through the filter 301.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, front views of a filter adapter 701 are shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. Adapter 701 includes a receiver 700 having a base 703 and an integrally attached cone 705. The base 703 is configured to engage with joint 509, which in turn engages with filter 301. During use, the fluid/gas travels through cone 705, through joint 509 and exits through the filter 301.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter device for a water pipe or hookah, having a stem and a water jar, comprising: An adaptor configured to engage with an end of the stem and positioned at least partially or fully submerged within the water in the base of the hookah; and A filter configured snugly to receive the adapter; Wherein the filter is configured for trapping tar, nicotine, and other smoke impurities from the smoke passing through the stem into to the water jar.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises of a polyurethane material.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the filter comprises of a plurality of pores.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises of a plurality of pores for gaseous flow.
 5. The system of claim 1, the adapter comprising: a stem receiver, having: a base integrally attached to a cone; wherein the cone is configured to securely attach to the stem; and wherein the base is configured to engage with the filter.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the filter is comprised of an inner channel configure to engage with the base.
 7. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a joint configured to engage with the base; wherein the joint is configured to engage with the filter.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the joint is completely disposed by the filter.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the filter comprises of an inner channel configured to engage with the joint.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the joint is comprised of a plurality of elongated walls extending relatively perpendicular to each other.
 11. The system of claim 1, the adapter comprising: a plurality of cylindrical members integrally attached to each other and having different diameters.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the filter is comprised of an inner channel configure to engage with a lower member of the plurality of members.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a joint configured to engage with the lower member; wherein the joint is configured to engage with the filter.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the joint is completely disposed by the filter.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the filter comprises of an inner channel configured to engage with the joint.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the joint is comprised of a plurality of elongated walls extending relatively perpendicular to each other.
 17. A method to filter tar, nicotine, and other smoke impurities from a stem of a hookah, comprising: securing a filter to an end of stem; positioning the filter within a water jar in communication with the stem; passing smoke through the filter; and trapping the tar, nicotine, and other smoke impurities with the filter.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: securing an adapter to the stem; and securing the filter to the adapter.
 19. The method of claim 20, further comprising: the filter reduces the size and increases the number of smoke and air bubbles leaving the filter. 